Discover the dramatic saga of Boston’s Irish community in this riveting presentation, tracing their journey from 17th-century indentured servants and the 1718 Scots-Irish arrivals to the waves of Catholic immigrants who forever changed the city’s character. Uncover the hardships faced by early Irish newcomers who braved prejudice, exclusion, and violence, from the fiery Pope’s Day riots to the shocking burning of the Ursuline Convent.

Experience the upheaval of the Great Famine, when tens of thousands of Irish refugees flooded Boston,  transforming its neighborhoods and workforce. Follow their struggles to find work, build communities in places like the North End, East Boston and Charlestown, and confront deep-seated anti-Irish sentiment as they fought for a foothold in a city dominated by Anglo-Saxon Protestants.

Witness the rise of Irish political power as Boston’s Irish Americans moved from street-level activism to city hall, producing legendary leaders like James Michael Curley and “Honey Fitz” Kennedy. Through stories of adversity, resilience, and triumph, this presentation reveals how the Irish shaped Boston’s identity-and how their legacy lives on in its politics, neighborhoods, and culture to this day. 

Registration is required and will open 3 weeks prior to the event date. A Zoom link will be sent to all registrants. This program does not meet at the library.

Thank you to the Friends of Milton Public Library for sponsoring this program.

About the Speaker

Christopher Daley has been speaking all over New England for the past 30 years and virtually via Zoom throughout the United States for the past several years on historical topics of interest; at libraries, historical societies, schools and all sorts of clubs and organizations! He has recently moved to Florida!

He holds a B.A. and an M.A. from Bridgewater State University in Political Science and History. He was formerly the President of the Pembroke Historical Society and Chairman of the Pembroke Historical Commission. He was also a docent at the John Alden House Historic Site as well as Coordinator of Educational Outreach. Additionally, in 2023, Chris retired from his position as history teacher in the Silver Lake Regional School System in Kingston, Massachusetts after teaching for 25 years.

Chris has written several articles on varied historical topics for local publications and has written his first book entitled "Murder and Mayhem in Boston: Historic Crimes in the Hub.” Chris has also served as historical consultant on the Sacco-Vanzetti Case for the Travel Channel's program "Time Traveling with Brian Unger." He also appeared in two episodes of the Travel Channel's "Kindred Spirits" in the capacity of historian on shows about the Lizzie Borden Case.

Chris' wife Cathy is his fellow researcher and travels along as DaleyHistory's Professional Photographer. Christopher and his wife reside in Citrus Springs Florida.